CKN Foundation Celebrates Yuletide with Widows in Lagos

No fewer than ten widows were recently honoured and empowered by CKN Foundation at what could be described as a soul-lifting event, which held at Maximus Inn, 4 Adeniyi Jones Avenue Ikeja, Lagos. The event, which was the 3rd edition of CKN FOUNDATION EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME for widows, had ten widows going home with the sum of N15, 000 each.

It was indeed a fun-filled but solemn event. Though devoid of razzmatazz, it was a thoroughly exciting moment for the widows as they were stirred to keep hope alive in spite of the challenges around them.

On hand to chair the occasion was the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of The Union Newspaper, Mr Casmir Igbokwe and his amiable wife. Other guests were Mrs Nelly Agwu and Mrs Aramide Oikelome. Both Mrs. Igbokwe and Mrs. Oikelome, who currently run NGOs catering for Widows, also took their turns to share their experiences as well as counsel the widows.

The widows who expressed great joy and surprise at the gesture thanked the organizers and donors for their kind gesture. While some of them testified that it was the first time they were receiving such gestures since after the demise of their husbands, others said the support came as a big relief in view of the challenges they are currently facing because of the economic recession.

While some said they earn as little as N6, 000 monthly, others narrated how their petty trades have collapsed as their kiosks were demolished and there was no means to rent shops or do other business. Some don’t even have as little as N5, 000 to start pure water business to feed her family. In fact, one had been very sick and could not even afford medications until God sent some Good Samaritans to assist her.  They also narrated the hardship they are facing, coupled with total neglect by families and friends. In fact, all of them said they are currently doing one menial jobs or the other to feed their numerous children.

CKN on his part encouraged them to see their present condition as a temporary one because God is able to turn their situation around and lift them up. “There is always light at the end of the tunnel”, assured CKN.

The recipients prayed that God would bless all the hearts that gave out of their resources, especially at this austere period.

The event ended with a special treat for each of the widows as they were served with food and drinks.

Some of the widows were drawn from Umungwa, Obowo Progressive Union , Lagos State Branch, Grace CIIFEK Initiatives and Bestspring Foundation, which caters primarily for Orphans and Vulnerable children but also has an arm for widows known as Joyful Widows Fellowship.